You’ve probably heard that creatine might cause kidney problems, but today, we’re going to clear that up and explore the many benefits this supplement offers for your overall health. Creatine is definitely not just for athletes. We’ll go beyond its basic function to discuss how it can help your brain, bone health, prevent muscle loss, improve body composition, and even protect against certain degenerative diseases. And stick around, because at the end, I’ll explain exactly how and when to take it, and finally put to rest the myth about kidney issues. (Based on the insights of Dr. Tiago.)
What Exactly Is Creatine?
Creatine is a substance naturally found in our bodies. Our bodies actually make it! We also get it from food. Creatine is produced from three amino acids: arginine, glycine, and methionine. You can find it mainly in animal products like meat, chicken, and fish.
So, what does creatine do? This is key to understanding all its benefits. Creatine plays a big role in regenerating a molecule called ATP. Don’t worry, I’ll explain what ATP is. ATP is the energy source for our cells. Think of it as our energy reserve. Whenever your body needs energy for a process, it breaks down ATP to release that energy.
Creatine helps regenerate ATP. This means creatine helps with our energy regeneration. That’s why supplementing with creatine can improve many aspects of your health, starting with what most people know: muscle gain.